budget-reality · run 01

2026-08-26T15:25:50.818Z · commit d30cafcdcdd · 6 turns · 183,771 tokens · 90s · ilia+e2e03@bridebook.co.uk
≈ 0.029 USD for the run · ≈ 0.0049 USD a turn

£8,000 for 120 guests in London. Scores whether the gap is named plainly with grounded figures, and what the search returns against it.

Turn 1the opener

Congratulations on your engagement! I’m here to make planning your wedding feel exciting and manageable, from finding things you’ll love to understanding costs and knowing what to do next.

What are your names?

Tools, cost and writes
Took
8.7s
Requests
#3 200 5.4s
Model
gpt-5.6-luna
Locked capabilities
1
Intent
opener
Gated off
getUpcomingTaskAdvice · getChecklistTasks
Steps / finish
1 · stop
Model calls
1 · 11290 tokens
Last call
in 11247 (cache read 11244) · out 43 · total 11290
Cost
≈ 0.0003 USD

No tool calls.

Turn 2typed a message
We have £8,000 and we want 120 guests.

£8,000 for around 120 guests gives us a clear starting point. We’ll need to be deliberate about the biggest levers, especially the venue, wedding day, and season, while protecting the things that matter most to you.

I can map out your most useful next steps and timing as soon as I have even a rough wedding year.

What year are you thinking of?

Saved: Guest estimate: ~120 · Budget: £8,000

Tools, cost and writes
Took
15.1s
Requests
#5 200 5.8s · #6 200 6.1s
Model
gpt-5.6-luna
Locked capabilities
1
Gated off
getUpcomingTaskAdvice · getChecklistTasks
Steps / finish
1 · stop
Model calls
2 · 26670 tokens · extractor 4523ms
Last call
in 12096 · out 157 · total 12253
Cost
≈ 0.0039 USD
executeClientActions
input {
  "actions": [
    {
      "type": "[Wedding] Update wedding field",
      "payload": {
        "name": "budget",
        "value": {
          "budget": 8000
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "type": "[Wedding] Update wedding field",
      "payload": {
        "name": "guests",
        "value": {
          "guests": {
            "estimate": 120
          }
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}

Client actions

✓ [Wedding] Update wedding field · 728ms
{
  "confirmed": true
}
✓ [Wedding] Update wedding field · 219ms
{
  "confirmed": true
}
Turn 3typed a message
June 2027, in London.

June 2027 in London gives us a clear direction, and these are country-area starting options around London for roughly 120 guests. A few listed capacities are below your guest estimate, so check capacity carefully; with an £8,000 total budget, compare the complete package, not venue hire alone, as catering and extras can change affordability significantly.

Added to your wedding

  • Wedding date: June 2027 Change
  • Your checklist is ready — 265 tasks View
Tools, cost and writes
Took
25.3s
Requests
#8 200 13.7s · #9 200 8.6s
Model
gpt-5.6-luna
Locked capabilities
0
Gated off
getChecklistTasks
Steps / finish
2 · stop
Model calls
2 · 43552 tokens · extractor 12041ms
Last call
in 27415 (cache read 12032) · out 292 · total 27707
Cost
≈ 0.0077 USD
Location card
picked
executeClientActions
input {
  "actions": [
    {
      "type": "[Wedding] Set wedding date",
      "payload": {
        "date": {
          "y": 2027,
          "m": 5,
          "d": null
        }
      }
    },
    {
      "type": "setWeddingLocation",
      "payload": {
        "query": "London"
      }
    }
  ]
}
searchWeddingSuppliers
input {
  "type": "venue",
  "filters": [],
  "priceRange": "affordable",
  "capacity": "",
  "accommodationRooms": "",
  "radiusIncrease": 40,
  "page": 1,
  "pageSize": 10
}
output {
  "suppliers": [
    {
      "id": "EE009394",
      "publicId": "eepYlP2xYK",
      "name": "Kent Life",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "Kent Life is licensed for Civil Marriages and is the perfect setting for a romantic vintage wedding with a difference. A picturesque, peaceful venue for an unforgettable day!",
      "seoUrlSlug": "kent-life-maidstone-kent",
      "street": "Lock Lane",
      "town": "Maidstone",
      "county": "Kent",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "ME14 3AU",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "suppliers/venue/eepYlP2xYK/KL_Chapel_lgc7hj.png",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 0,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 100,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": -1,
      "reviewsCount": 3,
      "capacityDining": 100,
      "accommodationRooms": 0,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 58.1,
      "photos": "[\"suppliers/venue/eepYlP2xYK/Village_Hall_-_Pink_and_Green_Bunting_aovrw0.jpg\",\"suppliers/venue/eepYlP2xYK/Chapel_-_White_full_lenght_jdvzlx.jpg\",\"suppliers/venue/eepYlP2xYK/Kent_Life_-_Cars_p4pabh.png\",\"suppliers/venue/eepYlP2xYK/Kent_Life_-_Chapel_oinbe3.png\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "CS00072087",
      "publicId": "cslXm29agq",
      "name": "Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "Tudor Park Marriott Hotel & Country Club is a stylish 4* hotel, located in the Garden of England, and offers our guests well appointed accommodation.",
      "seoUrlSlug": "tudor-park-marriott-hotel-country-club-bearsted-maidstone-kent",
      "street": "Ashford Road",
      "town": "Bearsted, Maidstone",
      "county": "Kent",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "ME14 4NQ",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/cslXm29agq/TDMGS1.jpg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 0,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 55,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 195,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": -1,
      "reviewsCount": 0,
      "capacityDining": 160,
      "accommodationRooms": 120,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 64.3,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cslXm29agq/TudorParkMarriott-102.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cslXm29agq/TudorParkMarriott-064.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cslXm29agq/DSC_4625.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cslXm29agq/33827369_1709278055774669_5905101800276492288_o.jpg\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "CS00255610",
      "publicId": "cso8alWO7Y",
      "name": "The Wedding Barn, Old Hall",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "The Wedding Barn at Old Hall is a beautiful Grade II listed Suffolk barn, restored to its original glory to provide a picturesque wedding venue. ",
      "seoUrlSlug": "the-wedding-barn-old-hall-steeple-bumpstead-suffolk",
      "street": "Old Hall Road",
      "town": "Steeple Bumpstead",
      "county": "Suffolk",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "CB9 7EJ",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/cso8alWO7Y/Oldhallweddingbarn-9.jpg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 5400,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 7200,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 0,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": -1,
      "reviewsCount": 0,
      "capacityDining": 100,
      "accommodationRooms": 0,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 69.7,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cso8alWO7Y/Oldhallweddingbarn-8.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cso8alWO7Y/Oldhallweddingbarn-1.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cso8alWO7Y/Oldhallweddingbarn-3.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cso8alWO7Y/Oldhallweddingbarn-5.jpg\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "EE020606",
      "publicId": "eepYl9Vk8K",
      "name": "The Letchworth Centre",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "Unique, rustic and relaxed wedding venue with blank canvas, antique indoor space and beautiful outside lawns, create your wedding your way.  Approved for Civil ceremonies and blessings. ",
      "seoUrlSlug": "the-letchworth-centre-letchworth-hertfordshire",
      "street": "Hitchin Road",
      "town": "Letchworth",
      "county": "Hertfordshire",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "SG6 3NA",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/eepYl9Vk8K/AmandaDunkley_wedding.jpg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 2000,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 2500,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 0,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": -1,
      "reviewsCount": 12,
      "capacityDining": 100,
      "accommodationRooms": 0,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 37.8,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eepYl9Vk8K/MeganCopeland_weddingshot.jpg\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "CS00044466",
      "publicId": "csK8MWMDgo",
      "name": "The Boundary",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "The Boundary is a set on the edge of the cricket ground and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Our marquee offers a blank canvas for any couples biggest wedding dreams and visions. ",
      "seoUrlSlug": "the-boundary-southend-on-sea-essex",
      "street": "Garon Park, Eastern Ave, ",
      "town": "Southend-on-Sea",
      "county": "Essex",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "SS2 4FA",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/csK8MWMDgo/DSCF8504.jpg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 2250,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 0,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": -1,
      "reviewsCount": 2,
      "capacityDining": 200,
      "accommodationRooms": 0,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 60.6,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/csK8MWMDgo/DSCF8572.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/csK8MWMDgo/DSCF8492.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/csK8MWMDgo/DSCF8584.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/csK8MWMDgo/file-1.jpeg\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "EE020110",
      "publicId": "eeo8a0koYy",
      "name": "Yew Lodge Country House",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "A beautiful country house set in 10 acres of wonderful gardens. ",
      "seoUrlSlug": "yew-lodge-country-house-felcourt-surrey",
      "street": "Felcourt Road",
      "town": "Felcourt",
      "county": "Surrey",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "RH19 2JX",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/eeo8a0koYy/20.04.18.jpg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 0,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 70,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 1115,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": -1,
      "reviewsCount": 0,
      "capacityDining": 130,
      "accommodationRooms": 11,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 54.2,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeo8a0koYy/280_1015.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeo8a0koYy/Weddings065.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeo8a0koYy/_DSC0078.JPG\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeo8a0koYy/170715_145_0530.jpg\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "EE014495",
      "publicId": "eeaXq5wMXl",
      "name": "Marks Hall Estate",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "A beautiful, relaxed, rustic venue sure to bring a smile to the faces of every one of your guests. A truly perfect backdrop to your special day.",
      "seoUrlSlug": "marks-hall-estate-coggeshall-essex",
      "street": "Marks Hall Estate, Coggeshall",
      "town": "Coggeshall",
      "county": "Essex",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "CO6 1TG",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/eeaXq5wMXl/06-0096coachhousegarden.jpg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 2850,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 6000,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 50,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 80,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": 5,
      "reviewsCount": 2,
      "capacityDining": 140,
      "accommodationRooms": 0,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 62.6,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeaXq5wMXl/218.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeaXq5wMXl/IMG_6.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeaXq5wMXl/DaisyTodd-1379.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeaXq5wMXl/IMG_2.jpg\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "EE017894",
      "publicId": "eepYlK9WgK",
      "name": "The Thatch Barn",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "\"A barn on a Farm\" . Here at Church Farm we are pleased to offer you the use of our 400 year old, grade ll listed, thatched barn, totally refurbished but maintaining all it's original features.",
      "seoUrlSlug": "the-thatch-barn-saint-neots-cambridgeshire",
      "street": "Church Farm",
      "town": "Saint Neots",
      "county": "Cambridgeshire",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "PE19 6SD",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/eepYlK9WgK/0d77c1c3-ce7e-4e0e-a6c6-64f281333b39_145.jpg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 3000,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 3500,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 0,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": 5,
      "reviewsCount": 26,
      "capacityDining": 100,
      "accommodationRooms": 0,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 68,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eepYlK9WgK/IMG_5182.JPG\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eepYlK9WgK/IMG_9694.JPG\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eepYlK9WgK/IMG_8816.JPG\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eepYlK9WgK/IMG_0993.JPG\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "CS00210016",
      "publicId": "cs1gA2DevY",
      "name": "DUSK Weddings & Events",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "DUSK venue is a contemporary space situated ideally in Brentwood, Essex. Set amidst 180 degree rolling views, DUSK venue provides the perfect backdrop to your wedding, event or celebration.",
      "seoUrlSlug": "dusk-weddings-events-brentwood-essex",
      "street": "DUSK, Ongar Road",
      "town": "Brentwood",
      "county": "Essex",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "CM15 9SS",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/cs1gA2DevY/DUSKVENUE.jpeg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 0,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 0,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": -1,
      "reviewsCount": 0,
      "capacityDining": 124,
      "accommodationRooms": 0,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 27.8,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cs1gA2DevY/5a8f4ce8-a201-4a65-9fb1-e1161816faa6.jpeg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cs1gA2DevY/3192394447001261937-8U2-006.jpeg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cs1gA2DevY/3192394447001261998-8U2-006.jpeg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/cs1gA2DevY/Frontentrancenight.jpeg\"]"
    },
    {
      "id": "EE019890",
      "publicId": "eeqgORmMXp",
      "name": "Woldingham Golf Club",
      "type": "venue",
      "description": "With stunning and breathtaking views across the rural Surrey countryside, Woldingham Golf Club is the wedding day venue that dreams are made of.",
      "seoUrlSlug": "woldingham-golf-club-woldingham-surrey",
      "street": "Surrey",
      "town": "Woldingham",
      "county": "Surrey",
      "country": "England",
      "countryCode": "GB",
      "postalCode": "CR3 7HA",
      "currency": "GBP",
      "pricingIndicator": "$",
      "thumbnail": "weddingsuppliers/venue/eeqgORmMXp/Clubhouse-Homepage.jpg",
      "venueHirePriceMin": 2695,
      "venueHirePriceMax": 0,
      "pricePerHeadMin": 66,
      "pricePerHeadMax": 99,
      "minWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "maxWeddingPriceEstimate": null,
      "reviewsStars": 5,
      "reviewsCount": 27,
      "capacityDining": 135,
      "accommodationRooms": 0,
      "distanceFromOrigin": 37.7,
      "photos": "[\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeqgORmMXp/ks_72.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeqgORmMXp/WOLDINGHAM-008.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeqgORmMXp/Roompic.jpg\",\"weddingsuppliers/venue/eeqgORmMXp/StephConor12.jpg\"]"
    }
  ],
  "total": 2104,
  "page": 1,
  "hasMore": true,
  "searchType": "town"
}

Client actions

✓ [Wedding] Set wedding date · 241ms
{
  "confirmed": true
}
✓ setWeddingLocation · 1ms
{
  "savedLocation": "London"
}
✓ initialiseChecklist · 2059ms
{
  "created": true,
  "taskCount": 265
}
Turn 4typed a message
Is that doable?

It’s doable, but not as a typical Saturday London wedding with a full traditional package. At £8,000 for 120 guests, the reception allocation is roughly £4,227 for venue and catering, while the UK median for those combined is £117.10 per guest, or about £14,052.

The most realistic route is a weekday or off-peak celebration, with a modest venue, buffet or informal food, limited bar, digital stationery, and no videographer or live band. June is a popular month, so changing the day of the week will protect far more of your budget than cutting small details.

Tools, cost and writes
Took
13.0s
Requests
#11 200 9.8s
Model
gpt-5.6-luna
Locked capabilities
0
Gated off
nothing
Steps / finish
2 · stop
Model calls
1 · 37008 tokens · extractor 7962ms
Last call
in 33094 (cache read 15335) · out 366 · total 33460
Cost
≈ 0.0057 USD
getBudgetBreakdown
input {
  "category": ""
}
output {
  "result": {
    "projected": true,
    "currency": "GBP",
    "target": 8000,
    "totalEstimate": 8000,
    "totalActual": 0,
    "assumptions": {
      "theirs": {
        "guests": 120
      },
      "stoodIn": [
        "weekday and season"
      ],
      "excluded": [
        "video",
        "liveband",
        "entertainment",
        "planners",
        "Insurance",
        "stationery"
      ]
    },
    "allocation": [
      {
        "name": "Venue",
        "supplierType": "venue",
        "share": "32%",
        "estimate": 2499,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Catering (Food and Drink)",
        "supplierType": "catering",
        "share": "22%",
        "estimate": 1728,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Wedding Dress and Accessories",
        "supplierType": "dress",
        "share": "9%",
        "estimate": 720,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Photographer",
        "supplierType": "photo",
        "share": "7%",
        "estimate": 572,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Wedding Rings and Jewellery",
        "supplierType": "jewellery",
        "share": "5%",
        "estimate": 390,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Decoration and Hire",
        "supplierType": "decoration",
        "share": "4%",
        "estimate": 304,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Registrar Fees",
        "supplierType": null,
        "share": "0%",
        "estimate": 300,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Florist",
        "supplierType": "florist",
        "share": "4%",
        "estimate": 295,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Transport",
        "supplierType": "transport",
        "share": "3%",
        "estimate": 260,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Music",
        "supplierType": "music",
        "share": "3%",
        "estimate": 213,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Menswear",
        "supplierType": "menswear",
        "share": "3%",
        "estimate": 208,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Favours and Gifts",
        "supplierType": null,
        "share": "2%",
        "estimate": 173,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Cake",
        "supplierType": "cakes",
        "share": "2%",
        "estimate": 173,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Beauty, Hair and Make-Up",
        "supplierType": "beauty",
        "share": "2%",
        "estimate": 165,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Announcements",
        "supplierType": null,
        "share": "0%",
        "estimate": 0,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Honeymoon",
        "supplierType": null,
        "share": "0%",
        "estimate": 0,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Wedding Night Bridal Suite",
        "supplierType": null,
        "share": "0%",
        "estimate": 0,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Marquee",
        "supplierType": "marquee",
        "share": "0%",
        "estimate": 0,
        "booked": 0
      },
      {
        "name": "Extras",
        "supplierType": null,
        "share": "0%",
        "estimate": 0,
        "booked": 0
      }
    ]
  }
}
getCoachReference
input {
  "topic": "budget"
}
output {
  "topic": "budget",
  "content": "# Budget (Coach Reference)\n\nHow to help a couple set, allocate, protect, and stretch their wedding budget,\nusing real 2026 UK figures. The budget isn't a constraint — it's the\ndecision-making framework. Once a couple knows what they have, every other choice\ngets easier. Lead with that framing.\n\n## Setting the budget (do this before booking anything)\n\n1. What can they genuinely afford from savings — without touching the emergency\n   fund or taking on painful debt.\n2. Family contributions — have the conversation *early* and get a **specific\n   number**, not \"we'll help out\". 29% of total UK wedding spend now comes from\n   family.\n3. Savings + confirmed contributions = total working budget.\n4. Add a **5–10% contingency**. Unexpected costs always arise.\n\n## What UK weddings actually cost (2026)\n\n- **Average spend: £20,604** (excl. honeymoon and engagement rings); **£25,815**\n  including them.\n- The spread is huge — ~25% spend under £10,000, ~25% spend over £26,000, 10%\n  over £35,000. Don't anchor a couple to the average; anchor to *their* number.\n- Gen Z spend ~12% less on average (£18,485 vs £21,016), mostly via midweek dates.\n- Regional: London highest, South East/South West above average, Scotland rising;\n  the North, Wales and Northern Ireland below average.\n\nUse these to reassure (\"plenty of couples have a lovely wedding for £12k\") or to\nreality-check (\"£8k for 150 guests in London will need real trade-offs — let's\nlook at the levers\").\n\n## Allocation framework\n\nStandard planner percentages as a *starting point*, then adjust to priorities.\nEvery time you raise one category, lower another — the total doesn't change.\n\n| Category | Suggested % | On £20,000 |\n|---|---|---|\n| Reception (venue + catering) | 45% | £9,000 |\n| Photography / Videography | 10% | £2,000 |\n| Dress / suits | 8% | £1,600 |\n| Entertainment | 7% | £1,400 |\n| Florist | 5% | £1,000 |\n| Ceremony | 3% | £600 |\n| Stationery | 3% | £600 |\n| Cake | 2% | £400 |\n| Transport | 2% | £400 |\n| Hair / makeup | 1% | £200 |\n| Rings, favours, gifts, other | ~14% | £2,800 |\n\nCommon adjustments: music lovers push entertainment to 10–12%; photography-first\ncouples push that to 12–15%; foodies load the catering. Always rebalance, never\ninflate the total.\n\n> If the couple has a live Bridebook budget, use *their* personalised allocation\n> (which varies by budget tier, guest count, day and season) rather than these\n> generic percentages. Venue + catering typically run 50–55% of the real budget.\n\n## The two biggest levers\n\n**Guest count** is the most powerful variable after total budget. Every extra\nguest adds catering, drinks, favours, stationery and seating. Cutting 20 guests\nfrom a 120-person wedding can save £1,500–£3,000. Combined venue + catering median\nis **£117.10 per head** (up 23% year on year). Cost per head falls as numbers\nrise, but the total still climbs — fewer guests is the cleanest saving. UK couples\nare already inviting ~11% fewer guests than in 2024.\n\n**Day and season.** Off-peak months (Oct–Apr) can cut venue costs by up to 40%\n(Jan–Feb cheapest). Weekday weddings save significantly; Sunday sits in between.\nThis is how couples have kept venue+catering spend roughly flat despite per-head\nrises — flex the date before cutting the vision.\n\n## Saving strategies that actually work\n\n- **Guest count and date first** (above) — biggest impact, least compromise.\n- **Cake as dessert** — removes a separate dessert course, and the cake gets eaten.\n- **Cocktail-style reception** instead of a formal sit-down can be much cheaper.\n- **Limit the bar** — welcome drink, wine with the meal, toast drink, then cash bar.\n- **In-season flowers** — peonies in June are cheap; in December they're imported\n  and costly. Ask the florist what's in season on the date.\n- **Use the venue's existing features** rather than hiring decor to cover them.\n- **Repurpose ceremony flowers** at the reception.\n- **Digital invitations** (or physical invites with details pushed to a wedding\n  website) cut stationery sharply.\n\nFor category-specific saving tips, the knowledge base has a \"How to save money\non [X]\" article for almost every category — find it via `article-index.md`.\n\n## Hidden costs to build in from day one\n\nThese are what catch couples out — name them early so they're not a nasty surprise.\n\n- **Service charge / gratuities:** many venues add 10–15%.\n- **Corkage:** £5–£15 per bottle if you bring your own drinks.\n- **Overtime:** running past the agreed finish is often charged at 1.5–2× rate.\n- **Venue extras:** chair covers, linen, lighting, sound — often not in the base fee.\n- **Dress alterations:** £200–£500. **Hair/makeup trials:** £50–£150.\n- **Supplier travel/accommodation and meals** for remote venues or full-day suppliers.\n- **Admin:** marriage certificate copies, name-change fees.\n\n## Family contributions — protect the relationships\n\nAssign each contributor's money to a **specific supplier or category** (\"Mum and\nDad are covering the flowers and cake\") rather than a vague pot (\"the reception\").\nWhen people fund a specific element, their input naturally stays contained to\nthat element — this preserves the couple's creative control while making\ncontributors feel valued. Keep them updated on \"their\" supplier, top up quietly if\ntheir amount doesn't cover the full cost, and never compare one contributor's\namount to another's. (Family/money tension is one of the most common stress\npoints — see the escalation note in SKILL.md.)\n\n## Monthly check-in\n\nWhen coaching budget over time: total spent vs budget on track? New quotes\nlogged? Deposits due this month? Are overspends in one area offset by savings\nelsewhere? Is the contingency intact?\n\n## Per-supplier average spend (2026 UK)\n\nUse these to answer \"is this a fair price?\" and to ground trade-offs. Full table\nand durations in `wedding-stats-2026.md`; key ones: venue hire £6,040 (excl.\ncatering), reception catering £5,406, photographer £1,484 (full day averages\n£2,024), dress £1,532, florist £1,187, reception music £1,061, cake £360.\n\n## Sources\n\n`references/knowledge-base/articles/professional/pro-budget-management-guide.md`,\n`references/knowledge-base/articles/tools/tool-wedding-budget-breakdown-guide.md`,\n`references/knowledge-base/articles/reports/report-2026-wedding-costs-breakdown.md`.\n",
  "articles": [
    {
      "slug": "the-ultimate-wedding-budget-breakdown",
      "title": "Wedding Budget Breakdown: How to Allocate Your Wedding Budget"
    },
    {
      "slug": "pro-budget-management-guide",
      "title": "Professional Budget Management Guide: How to Plan, Track, and Control Your Wedding Spending"
    },
    {
      "slug": "who-traditionally-pays-for-what",
      "title": "Wedding Etiquette: Who (Traditionally) Pays For What?"
    }
  ]
}
Turn 5typed a message
What would you cut first?

I’d cut guest numbers first, rather than trimming every supplier. Bridebook’s 2026 UK Wedding Report estimates that removing 20 guests can save roughly £1,500–£3,000, through food, drinks, stationery and seating.

If 120 guests is fixed, the next lever is the Saturday date: choose a weekday and keep June only if the venue gives a strong rate. I’d protect photography and the parts that make the day feel like yours, then simplify the bar, meal style, décor and stationery before cutting essentials such as legal fees or insurance.

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Turn 6typed a message
Show us venues we could actually afford.

These are the closest practical matches for 120 guests and an £8,000 total budget. The Clarendon Royal Hotel and Blakes Events look most worth checking first because their listed per-head prices are lower; Oasis Farm Waterloo is in London but its £2,500–£4,500 hire fee leaves very little for catering and everything else.

Treat the prices as starting points, not proof of full affordability. Ask each venue for an all-in weekday quote covering food, drinks, staffing, furniture, ceremony and VAT, then compare the total against your £8,000 ceiling.

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